The Water Lady

Written by Alice B. McGinty · Illustrated by Shonto Begay

A woman delivers vital water to Navajo families, transforming lives daily.

4.3 Goodreads · 399 ratings

44 pages· 1,053 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud· AD640L

$18.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Under the vast New Mexico sky, young Cody faces empty water barrels and dry wells. Meanwhile, Darlene Arviso, a dedicated Navajo woman, fills her tanker with thousands of gallons of water. She embarks on a journey to quench the thirst of Cody's family and many others on the reservation. This true story reveals the relentless spirit of a woman who brings hope and sustenance to her community. Will her efforts be enough to meet the growing needs? Discover the power of one person's commitment to making a difference in the lives of many.

From the publisher

This inspiring picture book tells the true story of a woman who brings desperately needed water to families on the Navajo reservation every day.

Underneath the New Mexico sky, a Navajo boy named Cody finds that his family’s barrels of water are empty. He checks the chicken coop– nothing. He walks down the road to the horses’ watering hole. Dry. Meanwhile, a few miles away, Darlene Arviso drives a school bus and picks up students for school. After dropping them off, she heads to another job: she drives her big yellow tanker truck to the water tower, fills it with three thousand gallons of water, and returns to the reservation, bringing water to Cody’s family, and many, many others. Here is the incredible and inspiring true story of a Native American woman who continuously gives back to her community and celebrates her people.

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